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Wild Times on the Continental Divide

In July of 2008Deb and I set out to hike the Continental Divide Trail. Over the following three summers we would walk it’s entire length, over 3,000 miles! Along the divide we walked through over two dozen designated or proposed Wilderness areas, representing a wild diversity of landscapes, some well known and others more obscure. We observed the native plants from some of the driest desert habitats to some of the highest Alpine areas in the West. We saw many wild critters and had many wild times. In all we took over 14,000 photos. We look forward to sharing with you our favorite images and favorite tales from the trail when we present:

“Wildflowers, Wild Lands and Wild Times Along the Continental Divide”

Date: Wednesday April 13th

Time: 6pm – 7:30pm

Place: Sandpoint Community Hall,

This event will be open to the public, free of charge and is co-sponsored by the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society, City of Sandpoint Park and Recreation Department and Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.

During this armchair journey we’ll visit the dry, wide open landscape of New Mexico; we’ll climb among the alpine meadows and clouds along the crest of the Colorado Rockies, cross the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming; enjoy the thrilling Wind River mountain range; visit iconic Yellowstone National Park; journey along the varied divide separating Idaho and Montana and cross the incredible wilderness of the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, Glacier National Park complex. All in one night!

We’ll examine the flora and fauna, some that are unique to certain areas as well as some that are common to many diverse habitats. We will see the wonders of an incredible diversity of Wilderness areas. We’ll also see beetle and blister rust infested pine forests, the role of fire on the landscape and how pressure from grazing and recreation across public lands impacted our experience.

From Mexico to Canada, the high country is always full of surprises and never disappoints the adventurer. This program is free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted and will benefit the Native Plant Society and Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.

About The Author:

Phil Hough is the Executive Director of the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.

An avid long distance hiker, Phil's experience on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trails brought a passion for wild places and motivated him to work towards protecting the one of the last and largest wild places in northern Idaho and Western Montana, the Scotchman Peaks.

2 Responses

What a fabulous presentation. Will you do it again for those who missed it on the 13th? We, in Sandpoint, are so very fortunate to have you working to preserve our wilderness areas and sharing your hiking experiences.